By HeapNews
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has welcomed the Federal High Court’s dismissal of a case challenging his qualification for the recent governorship election. The case, filed by Mr. Agboola Ajayi, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, was struck out on Monday by Justice Toyin Bolaji Adegoke.
Describing the judgment as a “welcome development,” Governor Aiyedatiwa commended the court for its decisive action. “This ruling is a victory for democracy and the rule of law. It has put to rest a needless distraction that sought to undermine the electoral process,” the governor stated.
Justice Adegoke ruled that Ajayi lacked the locus standi to file the suit and declared the case statute-barred, as it was filed outside the 14-day window stipulated by the Electoral Act. The court also noted procedural errors, including the use of an originating summons instead of a writ of summons.
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The PDP candidate had argued that the deputy governorship candidate, Olayide Adelami, used multiple conflicting names in his academic records and should be disqualified. However, Adelami’s counsel, Dr. Remi Olatubora, SAN, clarified that the variations in names—such as “Adelami Owolabi Jackson” and “Adelami Olaide Owolabi”—were minor discrepancies.
Supporting this position, Mr. Tayo Oyetibo, SAN, representing Governor Aiyedatiwa, said, “The plaintiffs’ claims were baseless and intended to mislead. The discrepancies in names are consistent with the certificates issued by credible institutions.”
The ruling was also supported by counsels representing the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Ajayi is yet to issue a public statement on the judgment.